Journey in Sound, a conversation with VAINQUEUR

Vainqueur (René Löwe) is an important figure in the past twenty years of electronic music, and someone who has made a significant contribution to the sonic landscape of Berlin. His piece 'Lyot' released in 1992 and remixed by Maurizio is now a classic of the techno canon. 'Lyot' and his subsequent recordings on the Chain Reaction label in 1996 and 1997 introduced a sound that transcends genre conventions, and presents something textural, dense yet spacious. There is something almost topographic about Vainqueur's music, the signature ebbing rhythms seem to be outlining forms that become palpable to the ear, mapping a terrain discovered in time. His compositions incorporate dub production styles and subtle hints of house and disco while pushing the techno palette into new shapes. His early music helped to define what has become known as 'dub techno', yet René resists this narrow classification of his work, pointing towards his many musical inspirations.

He works closely with long time collaborator Peter Kuschnereit (Substance) both under the Substance and Vainqueur moniker, and as Scion. In 2006 they founded the label Scion Versions for their own productions. They perform live sets internationally, often featuring vocalist Paul St. Hilaire (Tikiman). In the fall of 2010 René released his first solo Vainqueur 12" since 1997 on Scion Versions, entitled Ranges, a release that maps out a natural continuity from his previous work.

I had the opportunity to speak with René before a Scion performance with Tikiman at the Club Transmediale (CTM) festival in Berlin in February.

Read the full interview at:
http://vagueterrain.net/content/2011/06/journey-sound-conversation-vainq...